Going through a divorce can involve many emotions. Not only is it difficult to separate from someone who you may have been married to for a substantial period of time, but there is also the overwhelming task of dividing marital property. Distributing possessions and assets that have been accumulated during years of marriage can be difficult, especially when you or your spouse have developed an attachment to certain items. There may also be a need to get as many finances possible in order to prosper in the future. This need may result in one party hiding or stashing property and/or assets, so they will not be available for division in the divorce settlement.
During the divorce, you and your spouse are required to disclose all property and assets in your possession. In order to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to in the settlement, you may want to be on the lookout for suspicious activity or behavior from your spouse. Some of these behaviors may include the following:
- Getting a P.O. box and having certain documents diverted to that mailbox
- Suddenly deleting certain financial programs used to track family finances
- Changing account numbers and passwords to have sole access to financial accounts
- Getting another phone or acting suspicious when making calls regarding finances
People may make large purchases and give these items as gifts to close friends or family members, only to regain possession of the items once the divorce is finalized.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
